New Canaan using loss to Darien as state playoff motivation

Dave Ruden

Updated 8:41 pm, Monday, November 26, 2012

NEW CANAAN -- In each of the New Canaan High School football team's current run of six straight trips to state championship games, there has been one constant: a Thanksgiving Day win over rival Darien to be used as a springboard.

That will change tonight, when the sixth-seeded Rams (8-2) travel to Simsbury to take on No. 3 Avon in a CIAC Class L quarterfinal game.

New Canaan saw its seven-game winning streak ended five days ago, as the Blue Wave scored 36 unanswered points in an eventual 36-23 victory.

It was Darien's first in the series since 2001, and leaves the Rams heading into the postseason in an unfamiliar position.

"I think the kids were in shock when it happened," New Canaan coach Lou Marinelli said. "To Darien's credit they did a good job, and stuff like that happens. It hasn't happened in a while and the kids have generally responded well after a loss."

It was the most points New Canaan has yielded this year, and 15 more than it had given up in its three previous games combined.

"It's a big motivator," said Mike Donnelly, the Rams' left tackle. "A loss is something we take seriously at New Canaan.

"We've been working really hard in practice to make sure we are crisp. You have to have a short memory. We have to put this behind us."

The Rams will be taking a different mindset into the playoffs from past seasons, when they have been a favorite to at least get into the state championship game. This year's team features the most first-year starters it has had in recent memory, one reason there has been more inconsistency than past seasons.

"I think the kids really want to prove they are not as bad as they showed on Thanksgiving Day," Marinelli said.

"I think we have the ability to get back into the state championship and win it."

The Rams have won eight CIAC titles since Marinelli took over 30 years ago.

Besides often having superior talent, the school's coaching staff has a sterling reputation for being able to prepare for an unfamiliar opponent in a short time period.

One area the Rams will have a decided advantage is playoff experience.

This will be their 27th state playoff game. In contrast, Avon is awaiting its first win, with an 0-2 record.

Though it has the superior record, Avon (10-0) is being cast in the role of underdog.

The Falcons hail from the less heralded Pequot Conference, but their statistics are noteworthy.

Most of their offensive production comes from a running attack led by Colin Moore, who has 2,033 yards and 29 touchdowns.

"They have a great running back and tough physical kids up front," Marinelli said. "They come right at you. It's a different type of football than we are used to."

In contrast, the Rams have continued to flourish behind their pass-first, spread offense.

Yet, surprisingly, they have more yards on the ground (1,942) than in the air (1,720).

Nick Cascione, who has seen the greater playing time at the quarterback position he splits with Teddy Bossidy, leads New Canaan both in rushing (711 yards) and passing (1,093). He has accounted for a total of 23 touchdowns.

The Rams lack the big play receiver of recent years -- Grady Lynch leads them with 29 receptions for 299 yards and five touchdowns -- but five players have 13 or more catches.

"The Darien game definitely shook some players up," Donnelly said. "We've really had a lot of intensity this week."

While the offense is often the focus for New Canaan, it might be the defense this week that dictates whether the team again advances past the opening round.